Healthcare organizations rely on advanced IT systems to deliver life-saving treatment. But these technologies also provide new entry points for attacks. Personal data is valuable in the dark web marketplace, and healthcare institutions are easy targets because they have access to high-value information. Understanding healthcare’s top five cyber threats today will help protect your institution.
Cyberattacks impact every industry, but attacks on healthcare practices are particularly alarming. With an average cost of 9 million dollars and the potential to jeopardize patient safety, healthcare practitioners must understand and implement best practices.
Cybersecurity threats in healthcare often come from social engineering, mainly through phishing attacks that trick staff into handing over sensitive information or clicking malicious links. These attacks can even be carried out via voice (vishing) or text messaging, so healthcare workers must be able to discern between genuine and fraudulent communications.
Medical devices can also be vulnerable, with hackers exploiting weak security to access the network and installing costly ransomware or other malware. Loss or theft of equipment also remains a threat to healthcare systems, while insider threats can occur through negligent, accidental, or deliberate disclosure of confidential patient data. And with collaboration as a vital part of the healthcare sector, email poses another risk as workers constantly switch between various systems and applications to communicate with colleagues. Secure email relay solutions can ensure that only valid and trusted messages are sent across the healthcare ecosystem.
Ransomware
Healthcare is a prime target for ransomware attacks. These cyberattacks cause financial losses, disrupt patient services, and jeopardize information integrity. A recent report notes that ransomware attacks against healthcare facilities have increased in frequency and sophistication and that current monitoring/reporting efforts are inadequate to provide a clear picture of how these incidents impact patient safety and outcomes.
While some hackers are opportunistic amateurs seeking to extort funds for unspecified reasons, most ransomware attackers are full-time professionals supported and sheltered by hostile nation-states. These criminals can operate from a haven and conduct remote attacks on hospitals, research laboratories, and other critical infrastructure from their vantage point in the “firing positions.” This allows them to execute attacks with little risk of being captured or extradited. Healthcare facilities’ reliance on legacy systems that fail to support critical ongoing security updates provides an additional lure for these criminals. Ransomware can be spread in various ways, including drive-by downloads from compromised websites and malvertising (legitimate digital ads tampered with). Understanding how these attacks occur is essential so that accurate data shape the proper response.
DDoS Attacks
Healthcare organizations are susceptible to many cyberattacks ranging from phishing to DDoS attacks. These attacks freeze responses to server requests and may prevent patients or healthcare workers from accessing electronic health records, software-based medical equipment, or websites to coordinate care.
Sensitive personal details like medical data are valuable on the dark web and can be used to commit identity theft or medical fraud. Additionally, research hospitals hold intellectual property that could be valuable to attackers.
Unfortunately, it’s hard for healthcare service providers to prioritize cybersecurity. They’re busy focusing on patient needs and dealing with day-to-day challenges, and the lack of resources makes it difficult to stay ahead of threats.
Hackers Targeting Medical Devices
In an age where all technology and medical devices are connected to the internet, hacking is a concern for all of us. However, the healthcare industry is especially vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hospitals make a tempting target for attackers with the amount of valuable data stored in their databases.
Medical devices like infusion pumps and MRI systems are intertwined with hospital networks, constantly exchanging images and data. This makes them ideal for attacks such as ransomware, which can shut down the entire network unless a ransom is paid.
But hacking into these medical devices goes far beyond simply stealing information. These devices can be tampered with to cause life-threatening consequences. For example, hackers have been able to change programming commands on insulin pumps to deliver too much or too little medication. They have also been able to control implanted defibrillators to administer inappropriate electric shocks.
Many medical devices need to take cybersecurity into account. They may use unsecured public Wi-Fi networks or outdated software, making them susceptible to attack. Hackers can use these devices as doors to the more extensive hospital network.
Collaborative Working
Healthcare is a unique industry with highly specialized, confidential data worth a lot to cybercriminals. Attackers can extort money by encrypting information or taking systems offline, which can put patients at risk for life-threatening conditions.
A breach can expose patient records, disrupt operations, and cause financial penalties. In addition, a ransomware attack can halt the provision of medical services.
Despite technological innovations, many devices in modern hospitals are still connected to the internet and offer hackers plenty of entry points to exploit. Healthcare organizations can also make mistakes when collaborating with outside partners, and employees can accidentally or purposefully disclose information that breaches privacy laws.
As one of the most reliant industries on email for communication, healthcare practices are a prime target for hackers. One click on a malicious link can lead to a severe security incident, such as a phishing attack that allows attackers access to EHRs or other confidential information. Understanding these threats, constantly refreshing safe computing practices, and partnering with cybersecurity experts can help reduce risks in healthcare.
